As mentioned in the article, "a thorough investigation was unable to uncover the cause." But even though the real cause was never found, it became known as the ice cream poisoning incident…
Here is a machine-translated part of what Gunji wrote:
"I immediately called in the chefs and food service staff to investigate the cause. The same could be said about the ice cream, which was not at all possible to be the cause, since fruits, meat, and fresh fish were stored separately and cleanly in the refrigerator. It was made with fresh ingredients, and it was mid-winter, not the rainy season. In the end, without any clear cause being identified, ice cream was deemed the cause, and the incident, dubbed the 'ice cream poisoning incident,' made headlines in the newspapers."
What an incredible find in coming into possession of that pamphlet! And such an elegant hotel. Great history here, Kjeld. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Finding that pamphlet was a very lucky break. Even more so, because it came from an old farm in the countryside. One does not expect to find a pamphlet of a luxury hotel there!
I have searched hard for other copies, but I have only found later promotional material. This early one appears to be quite rare.
It is amazing to be able to look behind the scenes of a hotel of almost a century ago…
Every time I find something special like this, it feels even better than Christmas felt when I was a kid ❤️
And it is an honor to be able to bring these items back into the light and pair them with other rare items from the past. Many also come from abroad, I bring them back to Japan.
Hopefully, I can build a collection that is a true and valuable legacy to pass on to future generations.
I’d say you are well on your way to doing just that.
Last semester, I was teaching a group of international students. The course was gender and Japanese society. We had just finished a couple of weeks on Tokugawa and Meiji, so I showed them your article and photos on hibachi. They found it very interesting as it related to what we had just read.
Oh, that is so cool. I want to reach young people and get them excited about these everyday things in old Japan. But it is hard to tell if I actually am reaching them.
We have a similar challenge, Kjeld. My stack is aimed at English language learners, particularly in Japan. Most young people here are not interested in history or songs about it. Older people might be, but few people here have ever heard of Substack. (Sigh.) Forge ahead!🙃
So what was the cause of the food poisoning? for those of us who don't have Gunji-san's book
Thanks for asking, Francis. We all want to know!
As mentioned in the article, "a thorough investigation was unable to uncover the cause." But even though the real cause was never found, it became known as the ice cream poisoning incident…
Ahh I thought there was some further details in the book. Oh well. It shall remain a mystery
Here is a machine-translated part of what Gunji wrote:
"I immediately called in the chefs and food service staff to investigate the cause. The same could be said about the ice cream, which was not at all possible to be the cause, since fruits, meat, and fresh fish were stored separately and cleanly in the refrigerator. It was made with fresh ingredients, and it was mid-winter, not the rainy season. In the end, without any clear cause being identified, ice cream was deemed the cause, and the incident, dubbed the 'ice cream poisoning incident,' made headlines in the newspapers."
It shall indeed remain a mystery…
What an incredible find in coming into possession of that pamphlet! And such an elegant hotel. Great history here, Kjeld. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you, Louise!
Finding that pamphlet was a very lucky break. Even more so, because it came from an old farm in the countryside. One does not expect to find a pamphlet of a luxury hotel there!
I have searched hard for other copies, but I have only found later promotional material. This early one appears to be quite rare.
It is amazing to be able to look behind the scenes of a hotel of almost a century ago…
I know how excited you must have been to have a piece - an original piece - in your hands!
Every time I find something special like this, it feels even better than Christmas felt when I was a kid ❤️
And it is an honor to be able to bring these items back into the light and pair them with other rare items from the past. Many also come from abroad, I bring them back to Japan.
Hopefully, I can build a collection that is a true and valuable legacy to pass on to future generations.
I’d say you are well on your way to doing just that.
Last semester, I was teaching a group of international students. The course was gender and Japanese society. We had just finished a couple of weeks on Tokugawa and Meiji, so I showed them your article and photos on hibachi. They found it very interesting as it related to what we had just read.
Oh, that is so cool. I want to reach young people and get them excited about these everyday things in old Japan. But it is hard to tell if I actually am reaching them.
Thank you very much, Louise.
We have a similar challenge, Kjeld. My stack is aimed at English language learners, particularly in Japan. Most young people here are not interested in history or songs about it. Older people might be, but few people here have ever heard of Substack. (Sigh.) Forge ahead!🙃